Beverly environmental walks promote open space in honor of Earth Day

Wednesday

May 15, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM

The Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRC), neighboring conservation organizations and local naturalists invite the public to join them for the 8th annual Walks in the Woods & Shore events, comprised of walks and tours of Beverly’s beautiful open spaces.

Nick Malfitano / nmalfitano@wickedlocal.com

The Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRC), neighboring conservation organizations and local naturalists invite the public to join them for the 8th annual Walks in the Woods & Shore events, comprised of walks and tours of Beverly’s beautiful open spaces.

Three events have already been held — tours of the quarries and shanty towns of Beverly Commons, a guided walk through Sally Milligan and a walk on Moraine Farm — with three more events remaining for the season.

“It gets people outside and into the open spaces,” said Amy Maxner, a Beverly environmental planner. “We’ve had pretty good success over the past eight years.”

The next event will be held Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. to noon, and is titled “Lynch Park: Biodiversity by the Sea — Exploring Beverly’s Tide Pools.”

Naturalist Paul Erickson, a former New England Aquarium staffer and Good Morning America special correspondent, will lead an expedition through Beverly’s tide pools. The public will have the opportunity to meet and learn about the strange creatures inhabiting these miniature seas. All of the animals being investigated will be returned to their natural habitats. Those looking to attend will park in the parking lot and meet at the seawall entryway to the beach. All are encouraged to bring footwear that will keep their feet warm and dry, while providing firm footing on slippery rocks. A parent or guardian must accompany all children.

On Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m., Mass Audubon ecologist Dr. Robert Buchsbaum will lead exploration of an open space woodland called Fox Hill, where a newly-established access trail was opened up to the public for walking, biking and nature study. Streams and wetlands surround Fox Hill, and the walk will focus on identifying and recording any plant or animal life along the way. Those seeking to attend are advised to park and meet at the end of Tall Tree Drive, and bring a magnifying glass and pair of binoculars, if possible.

Finally, on Sunday, May 26 at 9 a.m., join Darren Brown, Curator of Collections with the Beverly Historical Society & Museum for “The Shoe Pond & USMC: Cultural, Industrial and Natural History of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation and Its Environs.” The walk will explore the role of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation in the social, cultural and industrial history of Beverly, and its legacy enduring to the present day. Along the trail, OSRC member Dave Brewster will help participants identify the many bird species that call the place their summertime residence. Those thinking about joining the group walk are advised to park and meet at the McKeown Elementary School parking lot off Balch Street and bring binoculars.

Maxner said that the Open Space and Recreation Committee once had an idea to do an Earth Day fair, but that the concept didn’t meet with success. Seeking to devise a different strategy to encourage local residents to appreciate the open spaces surrounding them, the committee came up with the solution of sponsoring guided walking tours.

“It gets them exploring open spaces in Beverly that they may not have known existed, and the walk leaders are very knowledgeable,” said Maxner. “It’s a better vehicle for having people enjoy our open spaces.”

Maxner said that the guided walking tours serve as an excellent segue for encouraging local residents and visitors to explore the areas on their own as well.

“Our website has trail maps and articles on open space. It’s a wealth of information,” said Maxner.

All events are free, open to the public and held rain or shine, unless otherwise noted. Carpooling is always encouraged to ensure adequate parking. For more information, call 978-921-6000, ext. 2343, or go online to beverlyma.gov/boards-commissions/open-space-and-recreation-committee.